Getting braces is an important milestone in a person’s life. You may worry about how braces will affect your appearance, about possible discomfort, and about how difficult it will be to adapt to a new daily routine.
In this article, we will tell you what to expect while wearing braces and offer tips for overcoming everyday challenges.
How will life change when you get braces?
For many people, getting braces is a significant investment of time, money, and energy. Orthodontic treatment usually lasts several months or even years, requiring frequent doctor visits and adjustments.
Wearing braces can cause discomfort, especially at the beginning and after adjustments.
In addition, wearing braces can affect a person’s appearance, making some people feel insecure. You will also have to give up certain foods.
However, despite all these difficulties, the benefits of braces outweigh the temporary challenges associated with wearing them. Once braces do their job, your smile will become flawless, your oral health will improve, and your self-confidence will grow.
What to expect during the first week with braces?
When you first get braces, it is normal to feel discomfort and changes in your daily life.
Here are some things to expect during the first week with braces:
- Pain and discomfort: you may feel pain and discomfort in your mouth during the first week with braces. This is because your teeth and gums are adapting to the new appliances. You can manage this discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Diet changes: you may need to change your diet. Your teeth may hurt, and it may be difficult to eat hard or sticky foods. Eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies, and avoid hard or sticky foods like popcorn or candy that can damage braces.
- Oral hygiene: maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces is essential. During the first week, getting used to brushing and flossing around braces may take some time, but preventing plaque buildup and cavities is extremely important. Your orthodontist will provide instructions on how to brush and floss around braces.
- Speech changes: during the first week with braces, you may notice some changes. This is normal, and your speech will improve over time. Eventually, life with braces will become normal.
Food restrictions and recommendations
One of the most important adjustments when getting braces is changing your diet. Following certain restrictions and food recommendations is important to prevent damage to braces and ensure effective treatment.
Here are some tips on what to eat and what to avoid while wearing braces:
- Avoid hard and sticky foods: certain foods can damage or displace braces and wires, prolonging treatment time.
- Avoid hard candies, nuts, popcorn, chewing gum, and ice cubes.
- Cut your food: to make chewing easier and to avoid damaging braces, cut your food into small pieces.
- Eat soft foods: soft foods are gentle on your teeth and braces and are easier to chew. For example, mashed potatoes, soups, smoothies, pasta, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits. Be careful with crunchy foods: crunchy foods like apples or carrots can be eaten, but only when cut into small pieces.
How to behave in social situations: talking, eating, and smiling confidently?
Braces can affect your social life, especially when eating, talking, and smiling in public. However, there are several things you can do to feel confident and comfortable in social situations while wearing braces.
- Practice speaking: it may take some practice to talk with braces, especially if you just got them. To make communication easier, try reading aloud, speaking slowly, and taking breaks when necessary. Over time, you will get used to speaking with braces, and it will become more natural.
- Brush after meals: food can get stuck in braces, which can be uncomfortable and unattractive. Carry a small travel toothbrush and brush your teeth after meals. Rinse your mouth with water to remove food particles.
- Choose food wisely: when eating in public, avoid foods that can get stuck in braces or are difficult to chew.
- Smile confidently: don’t let braces stop you from smiling confidently. Remember that braces are temporary and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. If you feel shy about your braces, try practicing smiling in front of a mirror.
Braces care
Taking care of your braces is an important part of your orthodontic treatment.
Keeping braces clean, attending regular check-ups, and promptly addressing any issues will ensure that your treatment goes as planned.
- Keep your braces clean: proper oral hygiene is important when you have braces.
- Visit your doctor regularly: your orthodontist will schedule regular appointments to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
- Address problems promptly: if you experience discomfort, pain, or other issues with your braces, don’t delay in addressing them. Contact your orthodontist immediately to make an appointment. If you damage a bracket or wire, see your orthodontist for repairs. Broken braces cannot provide the necessary force to move your teeth, and this may prolong treatment.
- Protect your braces during physical activity: if you play sports or engage in other physical activities, it is important to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth from damage.
How to stay motivated throughout orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can be a long and sometimes difficult process. It is important to stay motivated throughout the treatment to achieve the best results.
- Visualize your progress: take photos of your teeth before and during treatment to track your progress. Seeing your teeth change can be a powerful motivator to keep going.
- Celebrate milestones: celebrate each stage of your orthodontic treatment, such as brace removal, with a small reward. It doesn’t have to be something big, but it can help you stay motivated and proud of your progress.
- Find a support system: surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you throughout your treatment. This may include friends, family members, and your orthodontic team. Don’t hesitate to seek support if you feel discouraged.
- Remember the benefits: keep in mind the benefits of orthodontic treatment, such as improved oral health, a more attractive smile, and increased self-confidence. Focusing on these benefits can help you stay motivated and committed to your treatment.
- Set goals: set specific goals for yourself, such as brushing daily, attending orthodontic appointments, or avoiding certain foods.
Overall, orthodontic discomfort is short-term and easily manageable. Once a person gets used to braces, they may even forget they have them.
Remember to follow your orthodontist’s instructions, take good care of your braces and teeth, and stay motivated throughout your treatment.
Contact YAREMA DENTAL clinic to learn more about life with braces.